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Art Gallery to suspend operation

Financial troubles at the Art Gallery of Northumberland mean that they have no money to continue operations. They have now announced that they will “cease operations to allow the board to develop and implement a new business plan that will ensure economic viability”. The closure is effective February 1st.

Irena OrlowskiAGN Board president Irena Orlowski said: “In the coming months, we will investigate and implement strategies to improve governance, operations, fundraising, programming and exhibitions … The board will do this with the help of members, municipalities and other funding agencies, volunteers and citizens of Northumberland County.”

A public meeting will be held Thursday at 7pm on January 29th at Victoria Hall to discuss the current state of the gallery and prospects for the next six months. Public suggestions on business strategies will be solicited.

At the last public meeting in the Fall, it was predicted that a $22,000 deficit could be expected at the 2015 year end on March 31. Ideas to reduce the deficit included asking the county and the town for assistance, increasing some membership rates, seeking partnerships and engaging a professional fundraiser to solicit corporate support.

The Feb. 1 suspension of operations will coincide with the conclusion of the Zhen Shan Ren exhibition, which opens January 8th with the opening reception 2:00 to 4:00pm Saturday 10th.

Meanwhile the preliminary trial of Dorette Carter, the former curator charged with 15 counts of fraud, theft and forgery will be heard on February 2nd.